How The Third Royal Baby Might Totally Change British Succession History

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting to add a third child to their household, and the royal family (and the internet) are rejoicing. While the royal pregnancy would be the focus of attention anyway, Will and Kate's third baby could actually have a historical impact on the British chain of royal succession.

The Succession to the Crown Act took action in 2013, and finally ended the monarchy tradition of having male offspring take precedence over their sisters in the chain of succession. (Sidebar, this only happened in 2013?! And only took effect in 2015.) What this means is that for the first time, a female child — namely, Princess Charlotte — can effectively "hold" her place in royal succession no matter how her future sibling is identified.

That also means that Prince Harry is bumped down another rung in the royal succession line, as the new royal sibling will take his spot as the fifth spot in the chain of succession. But it doesn't seem like the third-time-over uncle will mind even one bit.

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